Anusara yoga

Virayoga(580 Broadway between E Houston and Prince Sts, suite 205; 212-334-9960, virayoga.com). Single class $18, packages available.Type of yoga offered: AnusaraName of class: AnusaraLength: 90 minutesWhat to expect: Elena Brower, Virayoga co-owner and yoga celeb, leads a challenging class, giving personal adjustments in the packed room of 60-plus students without interrupting the flow—or her ongoing discourse about inner spiritual symmetry and peace.Level: Serious yogis only.The verdict: I recoiled a little when I entered the studio 20 minutes before class to find mats already crammed nose to nose across the floor. And when I noticed $3 drink-mix packets for sale at the front desk (nutritional support for pre- and postyoga bliss). And when the teacher walked in wearing skinny jeans and an expensive haircut. She sat down, dumped some drink mix into a water bottle—and taught a stunning class. She methodically and thoughtfully guided our movement, our alignment and our attention in each pose. Well-sequenced flows opened up my lungs, focused my mind and unknotted my lower back. I loved poses I thought I hated. I learned new approaches to poses I’ve done for years. I never once bumped into my neighbors six inches away.—Megan Gendell

World Yoga Center(265 W 72nd St at West End Ave, second floor; 212-877-4153, worldyogacenter.com). Single class $17, packages available.Type of yoga offered: AnusaraName of class: Gentle/Restorative YogaLength: 90 minutesWhat to expect: Class starts and ends with meditation in restorative poses (read: nap time, with yoga props arranged under and around your body to hold you in a yogic shape). In between, the teacher drags you through some slow-down dogs and standing poses.Level: Some experience helps.The verdict: My inexperienced teacher was best at guiding us through relaxation, helping me slow my breath and calm my body. But she lacked confidence in the asana department: She often suggested Sanskrit pose names with no English equivalent, no clear “right foot forward, arms up” instruction and no demo. “When you’re ready, no pressure,” she cooed, as if our hesitancy came from reluctance rather than confusion. It was hard to let go and trust a teacher who seemed afraid to make too strong a suggestion of any sort. But I’d try another class in this cozy, plant-filled space, which I shared with just two other students on a recent visit.—Megan Gendell

Comments

Dear Editors
I just noticed this old review is still non your site We heartily recommend you send a reviewer to meet me as the director I am happy to welcome you into my class. The WYC has a long and auspicious history and is one of the oldest flourishing schools in NYC, turning 40 years- old last February. There is a wonderful community here and an excellent faculty and we suggest you return as it has been years now since this review remains on your site, possibly causing some to miss out on this amazing landmark school.